In the heart of Seattle, where history and sports converge, a remarkable transformation unfolds. The Seattle Sounders, celebrating their 50th anniversary, sought a cutting-edge training facility to propel them into the future of Major League Soccer (MLS). As the dust settled over the former Longacres Racetrack turned Boeing Corporate Headquarters, the new 40,000 square feet, two-story Sounders Training Facility emerged.
Sounders' Victory: UMC's Assist
UMC undertook the challenge, providing mechanical and plumbing design and construction for this cutting-edge training facility for the Seattle Sounders. This marks a significant milestone in the club's 50th anniversary celebration. UMC faced the challenge of meeting the evolving expectations and standards of the MLS league, ensuring the facility not only met business goals but also aligned with the Sounders' core values of social justice, anti-racism, LGBTQ+ equality, and environmental responsibility.
Read more about UMC’s scope of work by viewing the project portfolio page HERE.
From Corner Kicks to Camaraderie
One of the most distinctive aspects of our team’s involvement in this project is the deep personal tie that each project team member has to the world of sports. Beyond being professionals in their respective fields, the team members take immense pride in contributing to a facility that will shape the Sounders' future. The soccer field, situated at the heart of the former Longacres Racetrack, holds historical significance, evolving from a racetrack to the corporate headquarters of Boeing before being transformed into a cutting-edge training ground for a Major League Soccer (MLS) giant. This shared passion for sports among the project team members has infused the project with dedication and a shared vision for success.
“The Sounders project is really exciting,” said Josh Stern, the plumbing foreman overseeing the Sounders project. “I grew up playing sports so to see everything that goes into what a professional sports team needs day-in and day-out has been pretty cool.”
Revitalizing History
A crucial element of this project is the meticulous effort to revitalize the historical essence of the Longacres Racetrack. The transformation of the original racetrack into a modern soccer training facility required strategic planning and execution. The project not only focused on meeting the technical demands of the Sounders but also aimed to preserve the spirit of the site's rich history. By carefully integrating contemporary amenities with the echoes of the past, UMC ensured that the new facility not only meets the Sounders' needs for the next 50 years but also pays homage to the legacy of Longacres Racetrack. The project, therefore, stands as a testament to the seamless integration of history and modernity.
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